Z4 Coupe deposit down; any key queries to ask?

[Raj_UK]

The car looks very tidy. However I’d expect it to be in very good condition at that price and I’d be pointing out common issues such as condensation in the headlights, which I might allow at a lower price.

Also familiarise yourself with the the options it has and doesn’t. I noticed it doesn’t have Xenons which were a must for me, though they were pretty poor.

 

[ooscool]

Looks like a very smart Coupe OP.

Coupes have been known to suffer from rusty tailgates, so when it's open check around the edges. And if you can check the rear brakes pipes for corrosion under the passenger side just in front of the rear wheel. There is a plastic cover that ends there and road debris can get lodged in the end of the cover which will absorb moisture.

If it's had a new water pump that's a bonus, but not necessarily an issue. The pump on my first E86 died at 60K miles, but my 2nd seemed to be on the original when I sold it on 90K. It's only a concern because if it dies the car will generally overheat in less than a mile, and new Pierburg (OE) pumps cost around £250 - just don't go to BMW because they charge twice that for the same part!

Those CD-changer and Bluetooth Prep features basically just mean it's pre-wired for both - I think that's because they were both dealer fit options.

Anyway I hope it all works out so you can enjoy Coupe ownership with the brilliant N52 engine.

Thanks for the helpful tips; I will ask about the water pump history.
I saw a YT clip yesterday that suggested the water pump was less of an issue on the original N52 engine (with magnesium cover).
So hopefully all good!

 

[ooscool]

Congrats on the car. I picked up a similar one in Silver on Sunday

Thanks; really loking forward to delivery & ownership of this coupe

 

[ooscool]

Looks like a lower profile than normal on a standard 18” wheel. From the back it looks like a square set up (225), although hard to tell.

I'm not sure - to me it doesn't look much different to my 1st Coupe on OE staggered wheels with 255/35 rear tyres.

Just had a look at mine now it’s got 18s back on, you’re right. Nothing to worry about then.

Yes will check all standard as original. Prefer these to the 5 stars. Thanks

 

[ooscool]

Check the gap along the front bumper as looks a touch wider on the right side. It might just be the light/angle of photo or may well have just been off and refit on the boink but could be a replacement/damage repair from a front end bump. Get under the front and check all the ABS plastic that connects to the wheel arch liners as this is very brittle so shows signs of damage. All the clips for the lower grille easily pop out too with a bump so make sure it's sat in their tight. The 2nd photo shows a car I went to see before finding mine that had obviously had front end issues.

Another common issue is ABS pump module failure. Mine had this despite having only done 25k miles. Apparently happens if the ABS has not been activated often enough. The dash warning lights on mine were intermittent and not showing on test drive. It was only the honesty of the seller that warned me about it and a few months after buying it they popped up. Sorted easily enough. Cost £396 inc labour and brake fluid change with module rebuilt by https://www.ecutesting.com/common-faults/bmw/bmw-abs-dsc-pump-common-5df0-5df1-fault/

That is an excellent spot; thank you. I will enquire...

 

[ooscool]

The car looks very tidy. However I’d expect it to be in very good condition at that price and I’d be pointing out common issues such as condensation in the headlights, which I might allow at a lower price.

Also familiarise yourself with the the options it has and doesn’t. I noticed it doesn’t have Xenons which were a must for me, though they were pretty poor.

Thanks for the info on the headlights; I did see one with that issue post a wash but the condensation evaporated off quickly after.
Options seem quite good for the car; I am looking for an original spec with no mods & this fits the bill given whats available on the market.

 

[Jameszy]

At that price I’d expect it to be perfect. Very strong money that! Looks a beauty though

You’re joking? That’s not bad at all for a 66k Sport in good nick, from a dealer too.

Yeah I think the pricing is about right to be honest (assuming you got a little bit of haggle).

The used car market is strong at the moment, and 66k on a 15 year old car is very low

 

[Mr Tidy]

Thanks for the helpful tips; I will ask about the water pump history.
I saw a YT clip yesterday that suggested the water pump was less of an issue on the original N52 engine (with magnesium cover).
So hopefully all good!

That's interesting, and there may well be some truth in it as my 2nd E86 that was still on the original pump at 90K did have the magnesium cover. But The one that suffered a dead pump at 60K had the black cover!

 

[ooscool]

Thanks for the helpful tips; I will ask about the water pump history.
I saw a YT clip yesterday that suggested the water pump was less of an issue on the original N52 engine (with magnesium cover).
So hopefully all good!

That's interesting, and there may well be some truth in it as my 2nd E86 that was still on the original pump at 90K did have the magnesium cover. But The one that suffered a dead pump at 60K had the black cover!

The plot thickens...
Sure all will be good and can't wait!
Thanks to all advice & tips this forum has been superb at responding

 

[M1k3yC]

It looks like a nice car, congratulations! Mine sits on staggered OE MV2s with the standard tyre sizes and no spacers. Lots of pictures here: https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=116673 You can see in some of the photos the wheels do look quite far in the rear arch. Yours maybe looks a little high at the rear but I think it's hard to tell from one photo. I had to do the water pump last year and mine hasn't exceeded 50k miles yet. I got it in 2013 from BMW as an approved used and insisted that they replace the fog lights because they were suffering condensation. It's had a few other items that were unscheduled in that time but so far if you spread that cost over the 8 years I have owned it then I can't complain too much.

 

[buzyg]

Looks decent in the Add. Less that 3hrs away though I would be driving up with a mate to test drive it prior to collection same day. So much easier to discuss niggles, if you find any, on site before you drive off, than after you get it home.

 

[BobbyBoucher]

I drove two and a half hours to get mine each way last sunday.
Luckily took a mate and I took the car on an 8 mile test drive on b roads etc.

I found a few small things but car was priced to sell and I knew if I did not take it the car would be gone next day.

My friend mentioned my rear disks needed replacing. When i mentioned it to seller they pretty much said it's priced to sell.

Next week is inspection 1 time .

 

[ooscool]

Thanks to all for the support, responses and insights.
Z4 Coupe delivered and enjoying the awsome drive and just cant stop looking at it!

 

[AnilS]

Well done and very nice.

 

[mr.tourette]

Looks a beauty in black.. enjoy your new motor

 

[Mr Tidy]

Glad it worked out well OP.

So welcome to Coupe ownership - they just look so good!

The 3.0Si also goes pretty well too. :lol:

 

[Zedebee]

Welcome to the club, that’s a nice looking coupe.

 

[C4Dman]

Really pleased for you, enjoy the new motor

 

[BobbyBoucher]

Looks great mate. I would have went for same colour but settled for Silver .

 

[ooscool]

Thanks all; looking forward to lengthy ownership. Spec is:

3.0 Si Sport Auto
Saphire Black
Red leather M sports seats
Heated Seats
MFC Steering Wheel
OEM Bluetooth in armrest
Hi-Fi Loudspeaker
PDC
Wheels Double Sp.135

3 owners / 66.6k miles with FSH.
No sat nav, just a clean uncluttered dash; nice analogue un-mod'd care feel with superb driving characteristics!